Why This Activision Blizzard Analyst Is Turning Bullish Ahead Of Microsoft Deal

Even as the world shifts its focus to FIFA, Activision Blizzard Inc. (NASDAQ: ATVI) remains a leader in rapidly evolving esports market.

The Santa Monica, California-based company has witnessed improving product momentum and is among the few names that are likely to be less impacted by recession, according to Baird Equity Research analyst Colin Sebastian, who upgraded the stock's rating from Neutral to Outperform.

Sebastian is keeping the price target unchanged at $95.

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The "standalone" valuation of Activision Blizzard is revised to $78, although its acquisition by Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ: MSFT) is likely to close next year at a deal price of $95 per share, Sebastian explained in an analyst note.

“We note positive momentum from Call of Duty: MW2 combined with other key product launches (Warzone 2.0, WoW expansion, Diablo IV, next COD) should provide improving visibility for out-year earnings targets, and possibly offer some recession-resiliency,” Sebastian added.

ATVI Price Action: Shares of Activision Blizzard had risen by 0.97% to $75.52 at the time of publication Tuesday.